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Another interesting arrangement
for portability is the modular layout. NTRAK or
oNeTRAK
modules are created in small standard size units that can be linked together to
form huge track runs. Almost any moderately large model train show will include an
N scale modular layout. This technique is also seen in HO-scale, but is more
prevalent in N-scale. Many model railroading clubs are oriented around this
modeling technique. For a modeler who has severely limited space, this is also a
means to enjoy the hobby without a permanent layout.
Aisles around the layout are
important. Visitors appreciate a wide aisle that will let them get comfortably
close to the moving trains and detailed scenery (except for toddlers’ hands!). If
you have to work on something on the back of your n scale model train layout, you
will appreciate wide aisles even more. On multiple operator layouts wide aisles are
an absolute necessity. 36” is usually a minimum. 42” is even
better.
Layout height is every bit as
important as aisle space. This is always a tradeoff between the perspective from
which you want to view the model trains, and the amount of reach you need to be
able to conveniently work on the farthest spaces of the railroad. There is really
no ‘ideal’ height, but 40” to 52” is common. Most people have a reach of about two
feet with the layout between waist and chest height. Placing scenery that needs
attention or track that might require re-railing a train beyond that reach is bound
to be frustrating. If you can visit a train show, take a tape measure with you and
check the height of the display layouts.
Why Make a Sketch Before Building Your N Scale
Layout?
Skilled
workmen work best from plans. Once you have finished analyzing your space and
deciding which style of layout works best for you, sit down with a sheet of paper
and a pencil and make a rough sketch of the plan view of your N scale
train layout. Sketch in a rough track plan and the industry
you are using as the focal point for your scenery. If you plan on simulating
actual railroad operations, keep the industry easily accessible so you can
couple and uncouple cars and throw manual turnouts
conveniently.
Layout design is so absorbing
that many potential modelers find themselves stuck in the design phase for months
or years as they try to develop some plan that offers the best compromise of track
length, physical space, accommodation of modeled industries, scenery, operations,
practicality, and investment of time and money to construct it. Some help is
available now that pre-computer age modelers were not fortunate enough to have.
There are a number of layout software design programs on the market now that make
it relatively easy to do a preliminary track design, and then modify it to exactly
fit your particular situation and space. Atlas offers a design package based on
their own track products that is available for free download. It is a very good
basic tool for moving track layout around to fit in a defined space. Other
companies offer sophisticated products that not only place track on the model
layout, but also provide utilities for creating virtual scenery and rolling stock,
and some even allow movement of virtual trains over the virtual layout design.
These typically cost in the $50-$100 range and have a rather steep learning curve.
For the beginner, a simpler computer program and some actual model railroader
building experience show whether an investment in more sophisticated software would
be the way to go.
If computer literacy isn’t
among your skills, pencil and paper designs can still be made with the use of
commercially available templates for curves, turnouts, special track
configurations and other layout features. Individually, they cost
less than the more sophisticated model train software, but it is possible to
spend as much as a full featured design program would cost for a complete set of
templates for an advanced design.
The N scale track design book
featured on this webpage is perhaps the easiest way to get dozens of interesting
track design options without wasting too much time trying to reinvent the wheel.
The book of n scale track plans can be downloaded from this website within minutes,
and you can save it to your computer for future reference. It includes a big range
of small designs including the popular n scale 4x8 layouts, shelf layouts, and a
range of track configurations for bigger railroads.
Other Design Considerations for N Scale
Layouts
With the
preliminary design in hand, it’s time to start to finalize. Here’s where reality
will strike!
Two things that take up a lot
of space on a layout are yards and curves. Curve radius impacts the kind of rolling
stock that will operate reliably and look good when running on the curve. If the
curve is to be a reversing loop, it will take up a block of space larger than twice
the radius of the curve itself. For example, if a loop is created at the end of the
N scale railroad using 18” radius track, the actual loop will need to be about
40-42 inches square to accommodate the track and a reasonable margin. Long
passenger cars, automobile carriers, and large or articulated locomotives are
notorious for needing large radius curves. If your tastes run to that kind of
operation, N-scale offers a very good solution in a reasonable
space.
N scale
curves:
• Preferred minimum radius
16”
• Conventional radius 13”
• Sharp curve radius 10”
Track of any scale comes in
two basic forms. Sectional track is available in fixed length straight sections and
fixed radius curved sections. Flexible, or flex-track, comes in longer lengths
(three feet is common), and can be easily bent into whatever radius curve or curves
you decide to fit into your space. N scale straight sectional track comes in a
bewildering assortment of codes and sizes. For example, Atlas offers code 55, 65,
and 80 rail straight sections from 5/8” to 6” long. Curved sectional track can be
had in radii of 9” up to 71”.
It’s very tempting to try to
get as much track as possible into the small design. There’s absolutely nothing
wrong with that if having lots of trains on your n scale train layout is your goal.
If realism is more to your liking, a simple track design that showcases your trains
with dramatic scenery is the way to go.
In some model railroads, a
switching yard is either the focus or a key element of interest. Yards occupy a lot
of flat space, and a big one can overwhelm a small layout. If you are planning a
yard as an element rather than the focus of the operation you’ll need to keep a
sense of proportion to the remainder of the train layout. Small yards can be as
effective as massive ones. What they lack in drama can be made up for with utility
as a way to transfer between lines on a smaller scale and to provide a place where
the railroad maintains some kind of maintenance facility. On the other hand, a huge
yard is a great way to portray the hustle and bustle of a major traffic hub. Long
strings of cars in a classification yard tells visitors that your railroad is the
heart of the city!
Many layouts are never really
‘finished’. As you progress in modeling, elements of the N scale model railroad may
get modified and replaced as you discover and practice new techniques, or the focus
of the operation changes in manner or time. Growing an N-scale layout as a real
railroad would grow illustrates a key feature of the scale. Incremental changes
that can have a large impact are relatively easy to do in a small
space.
Passenger Cars Train Sets
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